The Club Friendship tournament delivered another instant classic as Cibona Zagreb edged KK Cedevita Olimpija 72-71 in a one-point thriller that came down to the final possession. In a rivalry that has defined basketball in the Adriatic region for decades, the visitors from the Croatian capital found just enough composure in the closing seconds to steal a result that will be remembered long after the final buzzer.

Match Overview

Played at Olimpija's home floor, the contest lived up to the billing of a genuine regional derby. Neither side managed to build a double-digit cushion at any point, and the lead changed hands repeatedly through all four quarters. Cedevita Olimpija controlled the tempo early, leaning on their half-court execution and a packed defensive paint, but Cibona's perimeter shooting kept the game within reach.

The final statistics told the story of a game decided by margins: a single made free throw here, a turnover there. With the score reading 71-70 in favour of the hosts deep into the fourth quarter, Cibona manufactured the decisive basket and then forced a difficult, contested look on the other end to seal the win.

Key Moments

• First half: Cedevita Olimpija built a slender lead behind efficient interior scoring and second-chance points, but Cibona answered with timely three-point shooting before the break.
• Third quarter: The game tightened into a grind, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops in a stretch that produced very few easy looks.
• Clutch finish: Trailing by one, Cibona converted the go-ahead score in the final minute and then held firm defensively, denying Olimpija a clean attempt at the winner.

Tactical Story

Cibona's coaching staff made a clear decision to slow the game down and force Olimpija into contested jump shots, conceding size inside in exchange for control on the perimeter. That gamble paid off in the fourth quarter, when the hosts' offence stalled and Cibona's guards were able to dictate the pace. On the other side, Cedevita Olimpija's rebounding advantage kept them in front for long stretches, but a cold shooting spell in the closing minutes proved costly.

Standout Performers

Cibona's backcourt carried the load in the decisive moments, combining steady ball-handling with the composure to knock down shots under pressure. For Cedevita Olimpija, the frontcourt was the engine of the offence, winning the battle on the boards and converting around the rim, while the team's defensive intensity kept Cibona from ever pulling away.

What It Means

A 72-71 road win in a derby of this magnitude is more than a single victory in the standings — it is a statement about Cibona's resilience in tight games. For Cedevita Olimpija, the defeat is a reminder that in the Club Friendship competition, one-possession games are decided by discipline and execution rather than talent alone. Both clubs will take lessons from this encounter as the season progresses.